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 FROM THE EDITOR

I’m really happy to have just joined the

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen,
The Vicarage, Felbridge,
West Sussex RH19 2QT
Tel: 01342 321524;
Fax: 0870 9156268
stjohnschurchoffice@googlemail.com
Vicar’s day off: Thursday
ASSOCIATE MINISTER:
Michael Peach
5 Burns Way, East Grinstead,
West Sussex RH19 1SA
Tel: 01342 312406
michaelstevenpeach@googlemail.com
Michael’s day off: Friday
Explorer (6-9 yr olds) team. I hope that
I help the Explorers to know Jesus, but
I know that I will also learn a lot from
them, with their bold and simple
prayers, and their fantastic sense of fun
and the ridiculous (read “joy” - a more
theological word).
There’s lots that goes on at St John’s,
and I’m really grateful to everyone who
has welcomed me so well into the
various goings-on.
I thought it would be good if the whole
church could be updated with what the
different groups are doing. So if there’s
anything you’re up to and you’d like to
share it, please get in touch :-).

Louise Russell
Cover photo:
Trees in the snow at
sunrise
by Brenda Wilkinson

MARCH: Articles for the March Issue to be with Louise Russell by

Sunday 14th February. Publication 28th February.
Please e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@googlemail.com
or send to Louise at Fircroft, Furzefield Road, East Grinstead, RH19
2JN.

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STEPHEN WRITES…

DEAR FRIENDS, mother, his wife and children, his

brothers and sisters—yes, even his
Lent begins in the middle of February
own life—he cannot be my
– Ash Wednesday falls on the 17th.
disciple.” (verse 26).
Do people remember the concept of
What sort of person could make such
‘giving something up for Lent’? If
a claim on his followers’ complete
they do, it may well be linked in their
loyalty? Imagine such words on the
minds with some sort of dieting –
lips of any other teacher or leader!
giving up sweets or alcohol, for the
sake of their health. It is extraordinary that Jesus, who
taught people to love one another,
Nothing wrong with that, but it was
should ever have used the word
not the original idea! The original
‘hate’. Perhaps it was in order to drive
concept was to get ready to celebrate
home the point that the loyalty,
the great events at the very heart of the
commitment and devotion he was
Christian faith – the death and
calling for must come streets ahead of
resurrection of Christ. This was often
our loyalty, commitment and devotion
linked with the idea of journeying
to anyone else in the world. If ever
with Christ through the forty days of
there is a conflict of interests, he must
his temptation in the wilderness.
come first in the lives of his
It was a preparation for the great feast followers. Even above their concern
of Easter. for their own lives!
Giving things up may seem a negative What he calls for is radical
form of spirituality – but giving up discipleship – going to the very roots
sweets or alcohol or TV pales into of our lives. All over the world and all
insignificance beside the call of Jesus through Christian history, true
who said, “Any of you who does not Christians have served Christ in that
give up everything he has cannot be spirit. Nothing else is worthy of a
my disciple.” (Luke ch. 14 verse 33). Saviour who gave up his life for us.
At a time when large crowds were
Yours sincerely,
travelling with him (Luke ch.14 verse
25), instead of revelling in such
popularity, he issued one of his
sternest warnings: “If anyone comes
to me and does not hate his father and

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 IN THE GARDEN

plenty of room for the squash) as they

It is more difficult
produced an abundant harvest for little
than usual to write
trouble and the beans were so
this column whilst
colourful! It’s also a time when
the garden is still
deciduous shrubs can be moved, if
thickly covered in
necessary, so long as one digs out a
10 inches of snow, as I am finding it
large rootball. This is the month, too,
hard to even imagine working in the
to cut buddleias back to about 2 feet
garden or what joys of early spring
from the ground.
may be hidden under the snow. Up to a
point, there is a certain delight in being Snowdrops, sometimes called ‘St
unable to do anything outside and just Agnes Flowers’ have been flowering in
enjoy a guilt-free rest! some gardens since January, although
ours are a late flowering variety. They
I imagine that during the prolonged
are said to be a symbol of purity and
cold spell we may well have lost some
their appearance coincides with
plants: the cerinthe certainly and the
Candlemas, on 2nd February, the
Californian poppies, which would
ceremony of the purification of Mary
normally survive milder winters, and
after the birth of Jesus. Snowdrops
probably tender cuttings or anything
readily multiply into mature clumps
that prefers warmer climes. Last winter
and if dividing this should be done
we lost several things, including two
immediately after flowering as they
large oleanders. Luckily, when we
should always be planted ‘in the
were in Cyprus this year for Christmas,
green’. Why not pass on a clump to a
we were able to collect oleander seed
friend?
pods and hope to start off some new
plants. February should be the month in the
garden when everything starts to come
February is a good time to start
alive again. The birds sing and the
preparing the soil for planting,
camellias are encouragingly covered in
especially for vegetables, by removing
fat buds. Bulbs of all kinds are
weeds then digging in plenty of
pushing their way through the soil and
compost. We have ordered our onion
by the end of the month there should
sets and seed potatoes. This year we
be carpets of cyclamen, crocuses and
will try varieties Accord, Maris Piper
snowdrops. Isn’t the natural world
and Yukon Gold. Real winners last
wonderful?
year were the borlotti beans and
butternut squash (but you do need Maureen Reynolds

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REGULAR EVENTS

Through the week at St. John’s

Sundays
8am Holy Communion (2nd & 4th Sundays in the month)
10am Morning Service
Family Service (1st Sunday in the month)
5pm Raise The Roof (3rd Sunday in the month)
6.30pm Evening Service
Tuesdays
12.45 pm Food for Thought, Zion Church
2 pm WI first Tuesday of the month in the Village Hall

Wednesdays
2 pm Watercolour on Wednesdays
Thursdays
10.30 am WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill (home of June Clark)
6-7.30pm JAFFA club in the Church hall on the first Thursday of each month
Saturdays
8 am Prayer Breakfast on first Saturday morning in the Church Hall

(Jesus a friend for all)

A fun action-packed evening for children in school years 3-6

Meetings on the first Thursday of the month

4th February, the Church Hall

Lots to do – Bible teaching, games and craft
For details of how to apply to join contact Diane Francis

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 FAMILY LIFE
Bivvy bags, icicles and honeycomb

There were times when one of us got

When we
upset with the other—especially when
awoke one January morning to find
it involved cold ice trickling down the
the garden, the driveway and the car
neck! And there were times, when,
covered in eight inches of snow, we
having just spent ten minutes putting
did not, for the first time in several
on waterproofs, hats, gloves, coats and
years hurtle outside to build a
wellies, we would go out only to come
snowman and sledge down the hill in
in again minutes later and take the
the backgarden - we knew that school
whole lot off, because someone had
would be closed and that we’d have
been pushed in the snow or had a
the rest of the day to play in the snow!
snowball thrown in their face and had
So, while Chris donned his thermals
got too cold to stay outside.
and wellies, ready to walk to work, we
sat and planned how we were going to Hopefully, it will not be those
spend our day, not realising that that instances that will stick in our
day would turn into five days. At times memories, but these: the fantastic time
like these I am very glad that I am a we had zooming down a hill on a bivvy
‘stay-at-home-mum’, I’m not sure bag, which worked just as well as a
what we would have done if I’d had to sledge once we’d slid down the hill a
juggle work, walking the dog and couple of times; or watching Pippin
looking after children. And even if we chase the snowballs we threw;
did have family members who lived smashing the ice in the pony’s trough
nearby, I’m not sure that we would with Grandpa’s axe; making
have been able to reach them, being honeycomb that stuck our teeth
quite isolated, living on a farm. together; discovering the icicles that
had grown on the old Christmas tree;
So, it was just me, the boys and the
or walking all the way up a slushy
dog for several days, with Chris
Dunnings road into town and sitting on
joining us in the evenings—not having
the floor of Queens’ Walk eating hot
an excuse for not being able to get to
chips.
work!
Lindsey Saunders
Now Pippin needs walking whatever
the weather, so the boys had no choice
but to put on their waterproofs, thick
socks, wellies, hats and gloves to brave
the cold. I really regretted not spending
£25 on buying snowboots this year!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Sunday services in February

7th Feb 10am Family Service with Kevin Defriend

6.30pm Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen

14th Feb 8am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen

10am Morning Prayer with Michael Peach
6.30pm Evening Prayer with Stephen Bowen

21st Feb 10am Holy Communion with Don Ely

5pm Raise the Roof - The Worship Service (see p13)
6.30pm Evening Prayer with Stephen Bowen

28th Feb 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker

10am Morning Prayer at 10am with Stephen Bowen
6.30pm Evening Prayer with Michael Peach

Forthcoming Events
Mon 1st Feb Training to Lead: Understanding a Bible passage,
Michael & Lizzy’s house, 8-9.30pm
Tue 2nd Feb Christianity Explored, Michael & Lizzy’s, 8-9pm
Sat 6th Feb Prayer Breakfast, Church Hall, 8-9am
Sat 13th Feb Men’s Breakfast, 8.30-9.30pm
Wed 17th Feb Prayer on Wednesday 8-9pm
Sat 27th Feb Barn Dance, The Haven Centre, Crawley Down,
7.30pm (see p17)

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Tribute to Alec King, d. 22nd November 2009
These few words show Alec’s worth,
Symbolic of his life on earth.
Rosemary for the remembrance of Alec’s life,
Who in the midst of any Felbridge strife
Would use his voice to rise above the crowd
And tell District Council, nice and loud,
Of the error of their often foolish way
So that Felbridge could live to fight another day.
Campaigning tirelessly over many a decade,
Felbridge has not let Alec’s achievements fade
And on the Village Green, for all who care to see,
Are several hornbeam trees planted in his memory
As longest serving Parish Councillor of thirty-six years
Who gave freely his time to allay many Felbridge fears.
Alec’s interests in life were varied and wide
Particularly in the history of Felbridge side.
He was instrumental in publishing a local book,
As well as a footpath map for those who care to look
At Felbridge, not driving through but slowly and on foot,
Clad in water-proof coat and wellie boot!
Now Alec too is consigned to the pages of history
But his achievements are there for all to see.
Think of him as you watch the hornbeams grow,
Or when through Felbridge on foot you go,
And the past that Alec so keenly preserved,
Like him, will be remembered by the community he served.
All these words show Alec’s worth,
Symbolic of his life on earth.

Composed by Stephonie Clarke, on behalf of the Felbridge &

District History Group

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE
Making Tracks
Last month's Winter Wonderland may
not have been loved by those
inconvenienced by all the cold, white,
wet stuff but when else could we see a
cock bullfinch in scarlet, grey and
black, perched on a snow-covered
raspberry cane against a blue sky?
Parties of redwings and fieldfares
venturing into gardens often left one or
two visiting the birdtable; a pair of pied
wagtails also bobbed amid the fallen
bird seed and four robins disputed
potential territorial boundaries.
Above all, it was the presence of so
many tracks that rewarded a little
detective work. Here was a foxtrot
straight across the lawn; prints from a
rabbit that hopped the other way, its
back feet landing ahead of its front
paws. Here the slotted feet of a deer
that risked the A22 by the pond; here a
duck had waddled, there a cat had
widdled; the stately step of a pheasant
dwarfed the pairs of feet of a blackbird
that hopped it.
Now the Great Thaw has come to
justify the term Filldyke February, with
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gutters, ditches overflowing and even
the local council's slush fund has all
been spent.
In the warming air, columns of
Winter gnats are appearing ascending
and descending like "the tiny pistons
of a bright machine" as a poet Wilbur
described.
Through it all, a couple of grey
squirrels were leaping through our
horse chestnut branches and one
badger emerged from its deep
bracken-lined sett, judging by very
substantial paw marks.
Too soon for the Great Garden
Birdwatch, a buzzard flew over
Woodcock Hill, a party of six
lapwings headed up the A22 and
'Snatch' the local sparrowhawk struck
again.
Now, as snowdrops, the Candlemas
Bells, flower again, Spring reminds us
of hope eternal. We shall be traced by
the tracks we leave through life.
Peter Bateman
MISSION UPDATE
St. John’s mission giving is helping in
countries from Bolivia…
Thanks to your giving on Mission Gift
Day, St. John’s was able to send
£841.94 to Tearfund. This money is
being used to support its worldwide
projects through the local church,
transforming poor communities in
countries such as Bolivia.
Don Pedro Calderon and his family
have never had the luxury of a local
supermarket. Living at 3,000m above
sea level in the Andes, their daily menu
consists of potatoes and wheat – still
the only option for most Quechua
people in remote areas.
Tearfund partner Setesur is working
with local churches in Chuquisaca and
Potosi to train volunteers to promote
education in health, nutrition and
farming. Families are building green-
houses and planting fruit trees to
improve their diets.
Don Pedro says, “Before, each one of
us went about own business… but
thanks to the project we are now
working together. I have a greenhouse
and have learnt how to produce
cabbage and lettuce, which will
improve our diet. What I am most
pleased about is learning the word of
God, which is helping us to grow strong
in our spiritual lives.”
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… to Zimbabwe
The rains came to Zimbabwe in
December, but no one complained. The
dry grass steadily turned from brown to
green as the soil was refreshed. In a
country where nearly 2 million people
are expected to face food shortages this
year, farmers are busily getting their
seeds in the soil in the hope of a good
crop that will keep them and their
families alive.
Tearfund is funding local partners to
help with this work. The challenge of
shortages in seeds, fertiliser, cattle for
ploughing and tools, means that they are
having to teach new skills in very
difficult circumstances.
One partner, River of Life, is training
local church volunteers in conservation
farming techniques which they can pass
on to their communities. These can re-
sult in a threefold increase in crop yield
compared with traditional methods.
Tearfund is also funding the Ebenezer
Agricultural Training Centre as it takes
on 21 new apprentices in a far-sighted
project to encourage a new generation of
better educated farmers.
Tearfund hopes that 10,000 Zimbab-
wean farmers will benefit from its pro-
grammes this year, but the country’s
fragile economic and political situation
still needs your prayers
Gordon Wilkinson
VILLAGE MATTERS

to help decorate one of seventy

Parish Councillor Mrs. Joan Harwood
Christmas trees displayed at Wisley
expressed her thanks to Mr. Patel for
along the paths of the gardens which
braving the ice and snow every day to
made a very innovating and attractive
travel to the village shop to keep a
walk. Another box of goodies for the
lifeline open for local residents and
Forces will be sent out just before
managing to keep up a supply of
Easter. We plan to include a day of
essential foods which were much
local short walks and lunch in future
appreciated.
programmes. The speaker booked for
Felbridge Brownies and Cubs are January has broken her wrist and was
taking part in the Bowling Club unable to come, but we had a very
competition in Crawley on the 20th pleasant afternoon with Ann Kent
January - we wish them good luck. The giving a demonstration of Euconic art,
Brownies are joining the District group with heated wax designs on card.
at the Hawth entertainment on the
The next WI meeting will be on
Friday 5th February. This is also the
Tuesday 2nd February at the new time
date for the Guide Centenary
of 1.30pm. The speaker will be talking
celebration and official opening of the
about gardening without aches and
exhibition at the East Grinstead
pains! Contact 322 302 for more
Museum.
details.
The History Group will be meeting on
Nineteen year old Jonty Eggington
the 31st January at 2.30pm and this will
from Felbridge has produced, with help
include a talk on the Wells family of
from other youngsters, an hour and a
Imberhorne Farm. Frank Wells was
half long film called RH11. It
born at Tilkhurst and became
concerns the life of six teenagers living
gamekeeper on the Blount estate.
on an estate and the difficult choices
Journals of the family will be included
they have to make for their future. It
in the talk. Contact Stephonie on 01342
was shown at the Hawth theatre on
715830 or visit www.felbridge.org.uk.
17th January to a sell-out audience of
Members of the Womens Institute 500 people. Congratulations Jonty!
joined with others in the Border group
Daphne Ayerst

Growing old is mandatory; growing wise is optional

… and growing up is completely unnecessary.

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 NEIGHBOURHOOD
VILLAGE SHOP PANEL MEETING
Located on the Crawley Down
Road opposite the School. 24th March at 7pm
Buy your newspapers, fresh In the Village Hall
vegetables, meats, and delicious
cakes & bread from Fellowes of
Ardingly Bakery here.
ATM Cash machine. PARISH COUNCIL
Fine inexpensive wines and even MEETING
a dry-cleaning service
On 4th February at 7.30pm
and photocopying!!
In the Village Hall

FELBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

18th February
The Village Hall, 8pm

1st Hedgecourt Scout Group

Felbridge Village Hall Felbridge Flyers
Wed: Beavers: 6:15-7:15pm (model aircraft)
Cubs/Scouts:6:30-8:00pm Stuart Willis
Simon Bennett 01342 322237 01293-402733

It’s time to start playing with fire!

Paula Blake is taking part in a fundraising event for the St Raphael’s Hospice in
Sutton, Surrey on the 23rd February...
Paula says, “I will walking barefoot over red hot embers burning at over 1200 F. Ap-
parently its a test of mind over matter. At my age, I should know better!
“It is a very worthy charity and if anyone is interested in joining me, more volunteers
are needed! Please visit www.straphaels.org.uk or any sponsorship will be gratefully
received at www.virginmoneygiving.com/paulablake.”
Paula (01342 714647)

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WHY BELIEVE?
This month, Mandy Bowen tells us how she’s grown with God...

Being involved with people's lives at

As a small child of about four, I went
deep levels has sometimes been the
to Sunday school in the afternoons.
means of my growth as a Christian. I
My parents had become Christians and
realise the privilege of that trust, and
that was the change it made to me! I
also that there is no possibility of
liked the Bible stories, and learning
coping with the ups and downs of
about the church, the Lord's Prayer
their lives, or my own, relying on my
and the Creed were all part of it (I
own strength. This has always driven
wasn't so keen on being left there
me to reading the Bible regularly,
without my mum and dad, though, as I
making time for God and for church
was a very shy little thing!). So God
fellowship, even when it is not easy.
has been someone I believed about for
Listening to other people expounding
most of my life.
God's Word, and reading and
It was in my early teens that sharing have been, and of
more challenging things course still are, invaluable to
happened to me and I realised my growth and going
that there was a decision to be forward.
made as to whether I decided
In my life there have been
to follow Christ for myself or
spiritual setbacks and the
not. The church and youth
doldrums, but God never
group I went to were very
changes. When I see people
good and clear on these
managing without God, I find it hard
matters, so knowing there was a
to imagine how they cope with the
choice was part of it all and I needed
difficult things or find real deep joy in
to give it thought!
the good things. But more than that, I
I became a Christian in my mid teens feel a sense of urgency that they are
– taking the walk on for myself. missing out on the biggest thing:
Going on from there God has of knowing God and that he has a plan
course never let me down. I have for them here and now, for the future
often let him down, needless to say. and eternally, from before they were
even born! This is enough to drive me
Meeting the “new curate” at my
back to God and his strength, not only
church just as I went away to college
to live out my own life, but somehow
was rather exciting(!) and when we
point them to God.
decided to get married I returned to
my home church as the Curate’s Wife! Mandy Bowen

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 Church Bulletin Bloopers!
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon
tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at
someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care
much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery
downstairs.
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be
recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased
person you want remembered.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and
gracious hostility.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.
Please use large double door at the side entrance.
Sent in by Daphne

THE WORSHIP SERVICE

A service which says it like it means it, with
funky music, dance and drama. Join us for
the next instalment on…

Sunday 21st February

Rehearsal 3.15pm Scrummy tea 4.30pm
Service 5-5.40pm
If you’d like to join in playing an instrument, acting, dancing or singing -
young or old, beginner or pro - contact Kris Defriend on 01342 312788 or
k.defriend@sky.com.

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THE TOY SERVICE
Just to see the delight on the faces of
Once again I am amazed at the
the staff when I arrived was enough
generosity of St. John’s Church
for me, and I drove back feeling like
Family. On the Monday morning
Mother Christmas.
following the Toy Service, I took
one hundred and twenty three toys THANK YOU ALL SO VERY
and games, plus sixty five pounds MUCH.
in vouchers and cash, one case and
Should any one wish to know more
three bags full of clothes to
about Welcare, please ask me; I will
Welcare for the children and
be only too pleased to answer
families in need.
questions.
Rona Bingham

Adam and the Three Wise Men

It was Christmas time many years ago. Our son Adam

was about 4 or 5 years old and we were visiting his
grandparents in London.
On a shopping outing, as we walked along a very busy
Oxford Street with Adam between us, his mother
and I suddenly saw an African gentleman, in full,
beautifully coloured, African robes, with his wife and
family coming towards us through the crowd.
Adam watched him carefully pass.
A little later, as we entered a large department store, an Arab gentleman
wearing full Arab dress and headgear was coming out.
Adam showed great interest.
Not far inside the store was another gentleman in full eastern regalia
complete with fez, who passed us heading towards the exit.
I felt a tug on my hand and as I looked down, a puzzled looking Adam said,
“Daddy, I think I’ve just seen the three wise men!!”
John Dabell

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 TREE OF LIGHT SERVICE

St Catherine’s Hospice Remembrance Service

To Barry and Helen and the choir for

The Tree of Light is a very special
arranging the music. To Rona who
way to remember family and friends at
enlisted the help of East Grinstead Fire
Christmas time. Tree of Light services
Service once again. They very kindly
are held in December giving people an
came and put the lights on the tree and
opportunity to reflect and remember
made sure everything was safe. To
someone by lighting a candle and
Peter Burton who offered his
the names of those special to us
assistance so willingly both
can be entered in the St.
before and during the service.
Catherine’s Remembrance
To Lyn Skinner and her team
book. On Sunday 13th
from St Catherine’s who served
December we held our third Tree
the teas and coffees after the
of Light Service at St. John’s and it
service. To Ann Morley for the
seems this has now become an
beautiful flowers and also for her
annual event for us at St. John’s. I
support and guidance. To Anne
understand from the Hospice that
Butler, who is there for me every
our donations amounted to
year! To the Mission Team and the
£258.30.
Church Family who helped in so
I would like to say thank you to many ways.
everyone who helped to make the Tree
It was a very special evening. Over 100
of Light service such a success. So
people came to the service and lit a
many people helped in so many ways:
candle in remembrance of someone
Thank you to Lis Scott for donating close to them. We felt it was
the tree, Di Giles and Tony Jones in worthwhile and filled a need at what
arranging for the tree to be delivered to can be a very sad time for many people
the church and the planting. To David who have lost someone close to them.
Miller – without his help the lights
Jenny Young
wouldn’t have worked at all!!

They say kids brighten the home.

That's because they never turn the lights off.

15
CHURCH CENTRE PROJECT

Progress Report: January ’10

Praise the Lord! Tandridge District
Council [TDC] granted planning
permission on 18th December 2009,
subject to a few conditions, which
include starting the development
within 3 years. We thank God that the
detailed documents (Design and
Access Statement and Supporting
Statement for Special Circumstances)
prepared by the Architect Derek
Kemp, together with the designation
of the area of Felbridge being changed
from Green Belt to Green Belt
Settlement during the planning
process, helped to gain permission at
the first attempt.
Details of the application, comments
and approval can still be seen on the
TDC web site, using reference number
2009/1327 in the planning application
search box, then clicking search, then
view details then view application
details.
On 19th January the PCC approved the
following:
 Setting up a Fund Management
team to coordinate all the appeal
activities.
 Establishing a target figure for
Phase 1 of the works (the main
entrance and social space
alongside the north wall of the
church).
 Proceeding with the technical
surveys required by the Architect
(soil investigation, drains &
sewers survey etc).
 Proceeding with a detailed bat
survey during the summer season
(a condition imposed by TDC).
Other improvements under review
include:
 Adding better lighting in the car
park
 Fixing translucent blinds to the
south windows in the church to
reduce glare (final measurements
should have been taken this
month)
 Double glazing the hall windows
and doors (final configuration
should be confirmed with the
supplier this month)
Another milestone achieved, but still
a long journey ahead...
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)

16
BARN DANCE

SATURDAY
27TH FEBRUARY
at
THE HAVEN CENTRE,
CRAWLEY DOWN
7.30pm – 11pm
£15 per person (includes Ploughman’s
Supper) or £75 for a table of 6 people
Drinks available from Licensed Bar
Come and let your hair down dancing to “Halligan’s Bar” or
if you can’t dance have a fun evening watching others try out
their fancy footwork!

For tickets please telephone Cecilia Bliss 01342 718441

or Sheila Drury 01342 323865

All proceeds to St. John’s Church Building Project

17
MISSION PAGE

Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) Summer Ventures

the state of family life, and indeed
I am sure nearly all of us thought about
British society, in some parts of our
the summer—even if only briefly—
country.
during the recent snow and freezing
temperatures. What did we think about: Falcon Camps include the same
the weather being warm and sunny, or Christian teaching as other ventures
did we think about going away but obviously tailored to the needs of
somewhere? the group. Is it effective? Well
apparently last summer, a coach
The CPAS (and other organisations like
returning from one of the camps broke
Scripture Union) run summer ventures
down. The driver and the leaders got
for children and young people aged 8-
out to investigate. After a short time
18. These are holidays of about a week
they could see nothing obviously
with a range of activities, from the
wrong and the coach restarted. The
beach to mountain walking and various
children let on that since they had been
sports or art and drama activities.
learning about prayer all week they
Whilst definitely adventure holidays,
had prayed for the coach to be fixed so
they also include clear, interesting and
that they could get home. They
relevant teaching on the Christian
believed that their prayer had been
gospel message, so they are also an
answered.
investment in the lives of the young
people. CPAS asks for people to pray for the
children and young people who will
Falcon camps are more specialist
attend ventures this year and also for
ventures for children from poorer
the leaders of these ventures.
communities, often with troubled
Becoming a leader on a venture can be
backgrounds. Consequently these
the start on a path to wider leadership
camps have to be heavily subsidised
within the church.
and require a high leader to child ratio.
Falcon Camps often provide the Materials, advice and training for
children with their first opportunity to church leaders and is a significant part
experience the countryside or the sea of CPAS’s activities. Attendance at a
and this can reveal that there are venture is often the starting point on
alternatives to the type of life they have such a journey, although certainly not
so experienced so far. A reoccurring the only one. It certainly has been in
comment from children who have the past for more than one child from
attended these camps is ‘this is the first Felbridge; shall we make it so again?
time an adult has listened to, or taken an
Glen Jones
interest in me;’ a sad commentary on
18
 TIME TO GET ON YOUR BIKE FOR
CHARITY CYCLE CHALLENGE IN CUBA!
If you are looking for an exciting challenge in 2010
and want to make a difference to a very worthy
cause, please join up for ‘Cycle Cuba’ in aid of The
Children’s Trust. This special event will take place from 28th
November to 6thDecember to help raise funds for The Children’s
Trust, a national charity which provides care, education and therapy
for children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and
rehabilitation services to children with an acquired brain injury.
The five-day, 350km challenge will start at the Bay of Pigs on
Cuba’s southern coast, following a route along the Caribbean coast-
line to the old town of Trinidad, cycling through forests of pine and
eucalyptus before reaching the spectacular scenery of the National
Park of Topes de Collantes and impressive Escambray mountains.
To find out more, please visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/cuba. To
secure your place on this exciting adventure - or if would like an
information pack providing full details, including registration fee
and sponsorship, please email: nina.jackson@btinternet.com or
telephone 020 8748 5669. An informal ‘Cycle Cuba’ Information
Meeting will take place at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth Court,
Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5RU on Saturday, 16th January at 2 pm.

Help! Please help!

There must be some of you reading this who could find 1-2 hours
once in 2 months to help clean our church. Many of our dedicated
team have been serving in this role for years and our numbers our
dropping. Cleaning is not a popular task for any of us but it is one
small way we can honour God - do join us. To find out more please
speak to Carole Grainger or phone 325482.

19
 Miranda left work early so that she could have
some uninterrupted study time right before the
final in her Youth Issues class. When she got
to the hall, everybody was doing their last
minute studying.
The lecturer came in and said he would revise
with us for just a little bit before the test. They went through the
material, most of which was in the study guide - but there were
some things he was reviewing that the students had never heard of.
When questioned about it, he said that it was in the book and they
were responsible for everything in the book. They couldn't really
argue with that.
Finally it was time to take the test.
"Leave your papers face down on the desk until everyone has one
and I'll tell you to start," the lecturer instructed.
When they turned over their papers, every answer on the test was
filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following:
"This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are
correct. You will receive an 'A' on the final exam. The reason you
passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All
the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the
A. You have just experienced...grAce."
Some of the group had studied for hours and some just a few
minutes, but all had received the same grade. It reminded them of a
story Jesus once told...
The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed
to pay them a certain amount. At various points throughout the day,
he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all re-
ceived the same amount. When those who had
been hired first thing in the morning started to
complain, the boss said, "Should you be angry
because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:15).
Mikey’s Funnies

20
 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News & Thanks

Belated congratulations to Gordon and Brenda Wilkinson who celebrated their

40th wedding anniversary on 21st December. Snow, ice and the Carols by
Candlelight service (with the power cut thrown in) helped them celebrate in style!
Please make time to welcome any new people that you notice are moving into Fel-
bridge. There are a lot of new developments which are gradually being sold and
people are moving in. It would be good to introduce them to their parish church as
well as being a friendly face.
We do thank everyone who put in such a lot of effort over the Christmas period to
make our services attractive and centered on Jesus’ coming. Many thanks to those
who contributed voices, musical talents, acting skills, decorating and catering.
The total raised for the Poppy Appeal was £64.05. Thank you to all who bought
poppies.
David and Julie Legg have a new email: pby5@btinternet.com.
We are very grateful for an anonymous legacy of £1,500 towards the building de-
velopment project. The PCC have also received a legacy of £200 from Daisy Mar-
shall who died in the summer.
Don't be shy… If you would like to help with any of the regular things of church
life and haven't been asked, do tell us! There are coffee rotas, occasional catering/
washing up help, church cleaning, lesson reading, leading prayers, articles to submit
for the magazine, delivery rounds to take on, working on a regular basis as part of
the children's work teams from crèche through to JAFFA and onwards, playing a
musical instrument or using your voice, odd jobs and repairs… the list is endless. So
please don't hide your talent or willingness; we'd always love to hear from you.
Don’t forget to book your tickets for Bible by the Beach, which will be taking place
on Friday 30th April - Monday 3rd May at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. This
is a great weekend for all ages, with excellent Christian speakers, worship and a
great programme for the children. Visit www.biblebythebeach.org or speak to
Malcolm or Diane Francis.

21
BOOK REVIEW
How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon D Fee
Have you ever been stuck in the
middle of Isaiah, wondering where in
the Middle East you’ve landed, which
armies are marching where, and
whether this comes before or after
King David? Nope, just me?
I find this book immensely helpful in
understanding the message of each
book in the Bible. It’s not a
commentary, but an aid to reading and
understanding God’s words for
yourself.
It’s well written and very
approachable, giving an overview of
the book in question, before breaking
the book down into chunks, briefly
explaining the meaning and context of
each. It also helps with understanding
the different types of literature found in
the Bible—prophetic, poetic, narrative
etc.
MK PLUMB 24/7
 Emergency call out
 Bathroom installations
 Hot water cylinders
 Full Plumbing services
Tel. Mike on 01342 300154
Mobile 07966 510242
CHURCH REGISTER
Peggy Tulett died 19th December 2009, aged 89. The service was at the Surrey and
Sussex crematorium 15th January 2010.
22
The Bible covers thousands of years
of history and it’s always good to
know what was going on for God’s
people—be that in Jerusalem or
Corinth—so we can see more clearly
how it applies to us now.
Fee and Stuart give the main themes
to look out for as you read each book,
helping you to understand the broad
messages and arguments. It’s good to
see how current passage I’m reading
fits in with the rest of the Bible and
the God’s salvation plan.
The best thing for me about this guide
is that it’s thorough but simple: a
welcome and refreshing break from
the overly-academic volumes on the
reading lists at uni!
Louise Russell
WILLS WRITTEN
Qualified Lady Practitioner
FREE Home Visit
Telephone: 01342 314082
Organising your family’s future
Inheritance, planning & probate
Member of professional Will Writers
Association
Mandy
PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Wasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

BUTCHER
ARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEP
MILBORROW & JOYNES, ‘The Flueologists’ 01342 717900
All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,
Caps, Birdguards. Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed

FUNERAL DIRECTORS
R MEDHURST, Vine House, Hartfield 01892 770253
Caring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service. 01342 315880
Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES 01342 325544

WOODCOCK HILL SERVICE STATION, London Road, Felbridge 01342 326213

KOINONIA COUNSELLING
Marriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etc
Jacqueline Lake (ACC Accredited) 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS

Panasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite.
Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

R J LONGHURST TV-VIDEO
Repairs—Sales and Home Tuning. LCD, Plasma, CRT TVs
plus DVD, CD and microwaves
17 Hillside Close, East Grinstead RH19 2DW 01342 323022

SPECIALIST GARDEN CENTRE

Bonsai and Japanese Garden supplies
HERONS BONSAI, Wiremill Lane (near Mormon Temple) 01342 832657

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

D G GURR. Over 30 years experience; Professional and reliable
Specialising in wallpaper hanging. Call for free advice and estimate 01342 321051

CLARINET LESSONS
Elaine Short CT ABRSM 01342 327563

23
 USEFUL CONTACTS
Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640
e-mail: butleranne09@googlemail.com

Malcolm Francis 01342 714575

e-mail: malcolm_francis@tiscali.co.uk
Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662
e-mail: treasurerstjohns@googlemail.com
PCC Secretary: Carol Bagshawe 01342 314221
e-mail: carol.bagshawe@btconnect.com
Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662
e-mail: parishmagstjohns@googlemail.com
Cleaning Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482
Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645
e-mail: annmorley@aol.com
Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929
Church Office (closed on Thursdays) 01342 321524
Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Climbers (3-6 yrs): Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662
e-mail: mountainash4@googlemail.com
Explorers (Year 2 to 4): Diane Francis 01342 714575
e-mail: Diane_Francis@tiscali.co.uk
Light Eagles (Year 5+): Dan and Suzy Callaway 01342 321658
e-mail: Daniel.callaway@iname.com
Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614
e-mail: christineely2@msn.com
Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283
e-mail: ann_tucker@btinternet.com
27
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